Author Topic: GMK WoB 40s/ortho Micons mod kit (Read 17914 times)

harlekein · « **on:** Thu, 02 January 2020, 10:23:16 »

GMK WoB 40s and ortho Micons kit

Update: I am not seeing this through. If someone wants to take over, I'll be happy to help you along.

Micons design and kit render by Mito.

Submit your mail here to be informed when the GB goes live

The idea is to run a complete GMK mod kit which can be combined with a variety of alphas. I asked Mito if I could use his micons design and he was cool enough to agree and do the initial keyset render.

Colors
WoB
CR for base
WS1 for legends

GB will probably be in March 2020.

Renders by Mito

More

[ Specified attachment is not available ]

Vendors

EU: MyKeyboard.eu
NA: NovelKeys
OC: DailyClack

FAQ

Q: Can you do BoW?
I would like that, but unfortunately not at this moment. Perhaps later after this kit has proven to do well.

Q: Why isn't there 60,TKL/etc support?
A: A simular kit for larger layouts was recently run alongside GMK Hiragana.

Q: Why make an addon for GMK Hirgana micons kit instead?
A: It's not commonly available. I want this to be a kit independent from other mod kits.

Q: Why micons?
A: I know people like the original Cherry legends, but I think the micons are stylish and original. Some of the centered legends also allow for key flipping, bucause they look good or the same upside down, so they make great thumb keys. Additionally, it sets this kit apart from other base+40s addon kits.

Q: Why is ergo not supported?
A: That would require a lot of new legends or generic blanks. I am not interested in running blanks. GMK blanks was run not that long ago and will probably be repaeted in one way or another. I also think the kit is large enough as it is.

To do

~~- Finalize kit~~
- Get quote
- Get keyboard renders
- Set date

phunktional · « **Reply #1 on:** Thu, 02 January 2020, 10:40:36 »

I like this. If you do BoW, would you consider matching GMK Minimal?

harlekein · « **Reply #2 on:** Thu, 02 January 2020, 10:48:19 »

Quote from: phunktional on Thu, 02 January 2020, 10:40:36

I like this. If you do BoW, would you consider matching GMK Minimal?

Probably. I updated the form with another question so people can specify their preference.

vosechu · « **Reply #3 on:** Thu, 02 January 2020, 10:53:08 »

Do you need permission from folks to use these designs? Or if you already talked to mito et al, would you mind adding that to the OP?

Thank you! Compatibility looks outstanding and really glad to see more ortho support!

harlekein · « **Reply #4 on:** Thu, 02 January 2020, 12:30:37 »

Quote from: vosechu on Thu, 02 January 2020, 10:53:08

Do you need permission from folks to use these designs? Or if you already talked to mito et al, would you mind adding that to the OP?

I did ask Mito before starting. It's in the top post. I updated it, do that's more noticeable.

Quote from: vosechu on Thu, 02 January 2020, 10:53:08

Thank you! Compatibility looks outstanding and really glad to see more ortho support!

Glad to hear it!

psxndc · « **Reply #5 on:** Thu, 02 January 2020, 15:46:35 »

Looks dope. Any chance we could get an R3 1u and 1.25u backspace? I know I'll be the Colemak weirdo in this thread, but that's the one mod key included in a Colemak kit that wouldn't match up with Micons if this was combined with another set. 1.25 for normal 40s, 1u for ortho would be amazing.

CodeMayhem · « **Reply #6 on:** Thu, 02 January 2020, 16:30:41 »

that's awesome that he did the render

bobdenard · « **Reply #7 on:** Thu, 02 January 2020, 17:06:08 »

Wasn’t there already a WoB Micons kit along with the Hiragana Group Buy or is this different somehow?

psxndc · « **Reply #8 on:** Thu, 02 January 2020, 17:10:40 »

This is different. That micons run didn't include support for 40s or ortho. This is specifically to address those boards.

harlekein · « **Reply #9 on:** Fri, 03 January 2020, 02:58:05 »

I had to make a separate form to email when the GB goes live, because it was hard to connect the currently submitted responses to the email address. Sorry, this is my first time using Google forms like this. OP has been updated with the following form: https://forms.gle/mf6h2jJh659KeRKT9

Quote from: psxndc on Thu, 02 January 2020, 15:46:35

Looks dope. Any chance we could get an R3 1u and 1.25u backspace? I know I'll be the Colemak weirdo in this thread, but that's the one mod key included in a Colemak kit that wouldn't match up with Micons if this was combined with another set. 1.25 for normal 40s, 1u for ortho would be amazing.

I am a Colemak user myself, but didn't think many people on 40%/ortho layouts would keep the backspace in that position intact. It's only two keys and it might even be the case I can remove keys from the current kit, so I'll keep it in mind.

Quote from: bobdenard on Thu, 02 January 2020, 17:06:08

Wasn’t there already a WoB Micons kit along with the Hiragana Group Buy or is this different somehow?

Like psxndc said, that was for full size keyboards only unfortunately. That's what makes this different.

radam · « **Reply #10 on:** Fri, 03 January 2020, 18:47:32 »

Please consider a second 1u "code" key. I use them for the mac "cmd" key. Many of the ortho sets always only seem to have 1 and it's kind of a bummer.

Marcus · « **Reply #11 on:** Sat, 04 January 2020, 05:32:01 »

The current GMK White-on-Black sets available on drop and originative have great coverage, but still miss out on providing coverage for many different layouts Upsers

harlekein · « **Reply #12 on:** Sun, 05 January 2020, 10:31:21 »

Quote from: radam on Fri, 03 January 2020, 18:47:32

Please consider a second 1u "code" key. I use them for the mac "cmd" key. Many of the ortho sets always only seem to have 1 and it's kind of a bummer.

Could you swap the CTRL and CODE keys? I will consider it though, since we already have two CTRL and ALT keys. Might as well duplicate that one for symmetric layouts.

elguey · « **Reply #13 on:** Sun, 05 January 2020, 21:16:05 »

This is probably an unintentionally mistake but the form mislabels GMK Minimal as CR on WS2 instead of CR on WS1( which is the correct one). CR on WS2 is GMK Monochrome

ideus · « **Reply #14 on:** Sun, 05 January 2020, 23:29:18 »

ISO Enter?

harlekein · « **Reply #15 on:** Mon, 06 January 2020, 02:44:50 »

Quote from: elguey on Sun, 05 January 2020, 21:16:05

This is probably an unintentionally mistake but the form mislabels GMK Minimal as CR on WS2 instead of CR on WS1( which is the correct one). CR on WS2 is GMK Monochrome

Thank you. You are entirely correct. I will remove this option from the form as this makes the entire process easier. I will match original WOB and GMK Minimal.

Quote from: ideus on Sun, 05 January 2020, 23:29:18

ISO Enter?

Sorry, but I think that's just too niche for 40% layouts. GMK Hiragana had an ISO enter in its micons kit.

ideus · « **Reply #16 on:** Mon, 06 January 2020, 13:59:58 »

Quote from: harlekein on Mon, 06 January 2020, 02:44:50

Quote from: elguey on Sun, 05 January 2020, 21:16:05
This is probably an unintentionally mistake but the form mislabels GMK Minimal as CR on WS2 instead of CR on WS1( which is the correct one). CR on WS2 is GMK Monochrome

Thank you. You are entirely correct. I will remove this option from the form as this makes the entire process easier. I will match original WOB and GMK Minimal.

Quote from: ideus on Sun, 05 January 2020, 23:29:18
ISO Enter?

Sorry, but I think that's just too niche for 40% layouts. GMK Hiragana had an ISO enter in its micons kit.

Well. I am a niche within the niche. I appreciate the replay though.

radam · « **Reply #17 on:** Mon, 06 January 2020, 23:35:50 »

Quote from: harlekein on Sun, 05 January 2020, 10:31:21

Quote from: radam on Fri, 03 January 2020, 18:47:32
Please consider a second 1u "code" key. I use them for the mac "cmd" key. Many of the ortho sets always only seem to have 1 and it's kind of a bummer.
Could you swap the CTRL and CODE keys? I will consider it though, since we already have two CTRL and ALT keys. Might as well duplicate that one for symmetric layouts.

I could, but I actually like that you provide CTRL in R3, which I would actually use in that position. Unless I use a novelty escape key and use the escape micon in the R3 position.. it just limits options a bit.

VXQN · « **Reply #18 on:** Tue, 07 January 2020, 08:57:20 »

Definitely want this. Following closely. 👀

harlekein · « **Reply #19 on:** Wed, 08 January 2020, 03:00:50 »

An update on BOW: It won't happen at this time. I would love to offer it, but without a vendor willing to buy up stock on this, it's not feasible. Perhaps at a later time once this concept has proven itself.

I will stick to WOB due to the current compatibility with other kits.

I did update the IC form: https://forms.gle/YAQouCYCEdQstxB77

There's a couple of questions regarding keys in the set. Please respond if you have an opinion on it.

harlekein · « **Reply #20 on:** Wed, 29 January 2020, 05:16:18 »

Some updates:

- Updated image with final kit.
- Asking for a quote through local vendor. I am asking for a quote including convex 1.5u space bars instead of just R4 blanks.

Board renders coming soon.

VXQN · « **Reply #21 on:** Wed, 29 January 2020, 05:38:23 »

Hell yeah! Glad to see it's moving along.

Robosculpts · « **Reply #22 on:** Wed, 29 January 2020, 06:03:37 »

Hella dig this!

harlekein · « **Reply #23 on:** Fri, 14 February 2020, 02:44:58 »

Update:

- Added renders to OP
- Still waiting for quote from GMK. Appartantly they are at a fair this week and normal operations are delayed.

equalunique · « **Reply #24 on:** Fri, 14 February 2020, 09:26:31 »

Still excited for this

D3LTA · « **Reply #25 on:** Fri, 14 February 2020, 11:07:29 »

I am definitely interested in picking this up. Also, would love for the Minimal color scheme. Could pair this nicely with the current GMK Zhuyin currently in GB.

harlekein · « **Reply #26 on:** Fri, 13 March 2020, 03:42:56 »

There was a miscommunication with vendor/GMK.

I asked to get quotes for 1.5u convex keys included in the kit. They returned saying they don't have the molds for that.

I now specifically asked for a quote with 1.5u convex and a quote for regular R4 1.5u keys.

Hopefully getting updates soon and then I will have to figure out a new GB date.

This is not dead. I'll keep you posted.

Additionally if someone with the talent and inspiration could make a promo signature for this IC, I'd very much appreciate it.

Nvmbra · « **Reply #27 on:** Fri, 13 March 2020, 13:09:51 »

Quote from: harlekein on Fri, 13 March 2020, 03:42:56

...

I now specifically asked for a quote with 1.5u convex and a quote for regular R4 1.5u keys.

...

1.5u space bars would be so nice. I'd probably just join to get them.

I asked about different space bar sizes last year at the start of summer and was told they only do new tooling for new keycaps that aren't currently available, if there is a demand from the community as a whole and not just for one GB.

Would that mean the cost of the new tooling needed would be included in the price of the kit or will it be similar to the 3u space bars where it gets put into development(took more then 6 months) from GMK themselves and they will be available for everyone at no additional cost?

harlekein · « **Reply #28 on:** Fri, 13 March 2020, 13:50:53 »

Quote from: Nvmbra on Fri, 13 March 2020, 13:09:51

1.5u space bars would be so nice. I'd probably just join to get them.

I asked about different space bar sizes last year at the start of summer and was told they only do new tooling for new keycaps that aren't currently available, if there is a demand from the community as a whole and not just for one GB.

Would that mean the cost of the new tooling needed would be included in the price of the kit or will it be similar to the 3u space bars where it gets put into development(took more then 6 months) from GMK themselves and they will be available for everyone at no additional cost?

I'm not sure how they would determine the demand from the community as a whole. A lot of split ortho's have 1.5u as thumb keys which would be great to have as a space key. GMK is an exception, but I am happy they usually make the cut in other profiles.

The way I understood it was that there are two ways of pricing. One is for a specific GB and will be pricy, but much less so if GMK has rights to use the molds afterwards in how they see fit. This would mean they also become available to the community for other GB's. The price will be less in that way.

It could be that this information is not entirely correct. I am hearing this from the vendor who is in contact with GMK. I made it clear I would be very happy for these molds to be available to the community. So all I can do now is wait again and ask for updates if it's taking a while.

Nvmbra · « **Reply #29 on:** Fri, 13 March 2020, 15:05:54 »

Quote from: harlekein on Fri, 13 March 2020, 13:50:53

Quote from: Nvmbra on Fri, 13 March 2020, 13:09:51
...

I'm not sure how they would determine the demand from the community as a whole. A lot of split ortho's have 1.5u as thumb keys which would be great to have as a space key. GMK is an exception, but I am happy they usually make the cut in other profiles.

The way I understood it was that there are two ways of pricing. One is for a specific GB and will be pricy, but much less so if GMK has rights to use the molds afterwards in how they see fit. This would mean they also become available to the community for other GB's. The price will be less in that way.

It could be that this information is not entirely correct. I am hearing this from the vendor who is in contact with GMK. I made it clear I would be very happy for these molds to be available to the community. So all I can do now is wait again and ask for updates if it's taking a while.

Could there be a misunderstanding between molds and tooling? New molds(=Schriftsätze) shouldn't add much more to the quote, especially if you reach a high MOQ. But the 1.5 space bar would need a new tooling(=Werkzeug), like the 3u space bar, which should be more expensive. Molds can also be used for any row after they have been made AFAIK.

But to clarify I was told this; "Nur eine ausreichende Nachfrage, guter Absatz rechtfertigt neue Werkzeuge."(Only a sufficient demand, good sales warrant new toolings.), when I asked for further space bar options.

Any way I hope you are able to add them to the kit because 1.5u space bars would allow for symmetrical bottom rows on split space bar layouts and I'd really appreciate that as someone who uses wide mod on standard staggered layouts.

dvorcol · « **Reply #30 on:** Fri, 13 March 2020, 17:04:02 »

Quote from: Nvmbra on Fri, 13 March 2020, 15:05:54

Quote from: harlekein on Fri, 13 March 2020, 13:50:53
Quote from: Nvmbra on Fri, 13 March 2020, 13:09:51
...

I'm not sure how they would determine the demand from the community as a whole. A lot of split ortho's have 1.5u as thumb keys which would be great to have as a space key. GMK is an exception, but I am happy they usually make the cut in other profiles.

The way I understood it was that there are two ways of pricing. One is for a specific GB and will be pricy, but much less so if GMK has rights to use the molds afterwards in how they see fit. This would mean they also become available to the community for other GB's. The price will be less in that way.

It could be that this information is not entirely correct. I am hearing this from the vendor who is in contact with GMK. I made it clear I would be very happy for these molds to be available to the community. So all I can do now is wait again and ask for updates if it's taking a while.

Could there be a misunderstanding between molds and tooling? New molds(=Schriftsätze) shouldn't add much more to the quote, especially if you reach a high MOQ. But the 1.5 space bar would need a new tooling(=Werkzeug), like the 3u space bar, which should be more expensive. Molds can also be used for any row after they have been made AFAIK.

But to clarify I was told this; "Nur eine ausreichende Nachfrage, guter Absatz rechtfertigt neue Werkzeuge."(Only a sufficient demand, good sales warrant new toolings.), when I asked for further space bar options.

Any way I hope you are able to add them to the kit because 1.5u space bars would allow for symmetrical bottom rows on split space bar layouts and I'd really appreciate that as someone who uses wide mod on standard staggered layouts.

In keycap manufacturing, what is the difference between molds and tooling?

Nvmbra · « **Reply #31 on:** Sun, 15 March 2020, 04:51:40 »

Quote from: dvorcol on Fri, 13 March 2020, 17:04:02

Quote from: Nvmbra on Fri, 13 March 2020, 15:05:54
Quote from: harlekein on Fri, 13 March 2020, 13:50:53
Quote from: Nvmbra on Fri, 13 March 2020, 13:09:51
...

I'm not sure how they would determine the demand from the community as a whole. A lot of split ortho's have 1.5u as thumb keys which would be great to have as a space key. GMK is an exception, but I am happy they usually make the cut in other profiles.

The way I understood it was that there are two ways of pricing. One is for a specific GB and will be pricy, but much less so if GMK has rights to use the molds afterwards in how they see fit. This would mean they also become available to the community for other GB's. The price will be less in that way.

It could be that this information is not entirely correct. I am hearing this from the vendor who is in contact with GMK. I made it clear I would be very happy for these molds to be available to the community. So all I can do now is wait again and ask for updates if it's taking a while.

Could there be a misunderstanding between molds and tooling? New molds(=Schriftsätze) shouldn't add much more to the quote, especially if you reach a high MOQ. But the 1.5 space bar would need a new tooling(=Werkzeug), like the 3u space bar, which should be more expensive. Molds can also be used for any row after they have been made AFAIK.

But to clarify I was told this; "Nur eine ausreichende Nachfrage, guter Absatz rechtfertigt neue Werkzeuge."(Only a sufficient demand, good sales warrant new toolings.), when I asked for further space bar options.

Any way I hope you are able to add them to the kit because 1.5u space bars would allow for symmetrical bottom rows on split space bar layouts and I'd really appreciate that as someone who uses wide mod on standard staggered layouts.

In keycap manufacturing, what is the difference between molds and tooling?

I'd be curious about this too. Maybe GMK Andy or someone more knowledgeable of the process could clear it up.

Things might be different now but back in July GMK differentiated between what we usually refer to as molds(the mold for the legend coloured part of the keycap) and toolings(the mold(?) for the keycaps' base coloured part) with the latter not being as readily available for GBs.

psxndc · « **Reply #32 on:** Wed, 15 April 2020, 20:37:42 »

As someone eyeing the WoB Hiragana micons (extras will be up on Friday), but owning primarily ortho boards, I really *really* appreciate that this is a standalone set and not an add on to that. Looking forward to this.

Crazy Designers · « **Reply #33 on:** Thu, 16 April 2020, 04:37:49 »

love this design so much!

VXQN · « **Reply #34 on:** Thu, 16 April 2020, 05:31:58 »

Love mod-only sets so I'm following this closely. Is there any chance of adding a 1.25u convex key for split space users?

harlekein · « **Reply #35 on:** Mon, 25 May 2020, 07:55:00 »

Here's my update:

I have been chasing the vendor who has been chasing GMK for a long time. And honestly, I'm tired of it.

First time took months and then the message I got back was "1.5u convex doesn't exist". I knew that and asked for a quote for both. So I specified that again. Radio silence, and asking for updates does not change that.

I'm kind of done with GMK and I don't feel motivated running this anymore. If someone wants to take over the project, let me know and I'll be happy to help you along the way.

psxndc · « **Reply #36 on:** Sun, 28 June 2020, 20:13:02 »

Hey Harlekein, did anyone pick this up?

harlekein · « **Reply #37 on:** Mon, 29 June 2020, 04:45:43 »

Quote from: psxndc on Sun, 28 June 2020, 20:13:02

Hey Harlekein, did anyone pick this up?

No one contacted me about this.

_PixelNinja · « **Reply #38 on:** Mon, 29 June 2020, 05:49:16 »

Hope someone picks this up. I'd definitely be down for picking one up.

robinjamess · « **Reply #39 on:** Fri, 23 April 2021, 13:20:45 »

Quote from: Marcus on Sat, 04 January 2020, 05:32:01

The current GMK White-on-Black sets available on drop and originative have great coverage, but still miss out on providing coverage for many different layouts TcsWebmail
DadeSchools
Upsers

The idea behind these kits is to add some more compatibility options to this iconic set that aren't currently available, that we have been seeing in recent extension kits. The keycaps are CR with WS1 legends, matching with GMK WoB of course.

Sterenke · « **Reply #40 on:** Fri, 23 April 2021, 13:35:20 »

Amazing kit!
Would strongly consider this if it used OG icons.
Good luck with IC and GB!

HappyB0T · « **Reply #41 on:** Sat, 24 April 2021, 19:44:17 »

+1 if you WOB | BOW would make sense also.

wayneoo12 · « **Reply #42 on:** Wed, 22 December 2021, 23:47:23 »

Quote from: _PixelNinja on Mon, 29 June 2020, 05:49:16

Hope someone picks this up. I'd definitely be down for picking one up.

I am going pick this up.

shawnbrown · « **Reply #43 on:** Wed, 12 January 2022, 21:47:59 »

Tried buying one of the keyboard and damn they don't ship to my address

Mecxs · « **Reply #44 on:** Wed, 12 January 2022, 22:24:26 »

Quote from: shawnbrown on Wed, 12 January 2022, 21:47:59

Tried buying one of the keyboard and damn they don't ship to my address

Based on you posting that in this thread, I am not sure that you are necessarily the most accurate judge of your own location.

Goodluck nevertheless.

markosphilips · « **Reply #45 on:** Thu, 10 February 2022, 01:05:25 »

I'm purchasing but they don't ship to my location.

ggggggg · « **Reply #46 on:** Thu, 10 February 2022, 03:45:40 »

I've bought this three times now and all packages ended up somewhere in Siberia. Gonna keep at it 👌👌🤔💪

kmiller · « **Reply #47 on:** Thu, 17 March 2022, 01:10:39 »

Quote from: markosphilips on Thu, 10 February 2022, 01:05:25

I'm purchasing but they don't ship to my location.

i am also facing same issues so order it to my place, told him to send to me

peterburten · « **Reply #48 on:** Thu, 06 October 2022, 06:02:07 »

What is the actual size of this? in centimeters, please?

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Author Topic: GMK WoB 40s/ortho Micons mod kit (Read 17914 times)